When a horse is “developing”, one day you realize that something is missing. Today, I realized something is missing with Fancy during our ride.
We had a group lesson today, the first since we endured horrible single digit and negative freezing temperatures this past week. Fancy has been home enjoying being part of a herd, round bale and hay in stalls. Eating hay every moment of the day keeps the heat burning in a horse. I never saw her shiver this week, unlike the two nearly thirty year old horses. I took care of that with non stop hay and the horse who kept shivering, got to stay in the portion of the barn where the hay is stored. But I digress. Outdoor animals and humans suffered this past week and it’s tough not to mention the horror of it.
Back to our group lesson heaven with Erin Patterson today. Fancy was outstanding and I’m starting to believe she is nearing what we might call a finished saddle horse! What! No way!
Normally our riding session starts with ten minutes of arguing. She hollows her back and paces around the corners. She pushes her nose out, lifts her head up and descends into body leg unbalance.
I vaguely remember the last time I rode, it was like today. No arguing around the corners. No head pushing out. No pacing.
Today it was the same. She got many rubs. She still does slow down down and tries to slow the gait. I do not allow that and give her immediate feedback with legs and then rein slap on her rear.
She seems to like me, but she has always invaded my personal space. This time, I just send waves of love as she tries to nibble me. My attitude has changed.
During this evil pandemic, I realize that without Fancy, my life would be hell. I need Fancy. I’m grateful to her and thankful I own her. Nothing like a pandemic to make you realize the good parts of your life.
Remember the pigs in a stall scare? That is over and Fancy has pig neighbors! One minor head up and bleh!
